Olan(Ash Gourd In Coconut Milk)

Yum

 
  
                   Olan is another one of the items in the Onam(a festival in Kerala) sadhya, which is made with coconut milk. I have used a combination of ash gourd and vanpayar (cow-peas), this can also be made using raw banana, pumpkin etc. This is a simple dish which requires less time, unless you are using fresh coconut.

Ingredients:
Ash Gourd, peeled & chopped in small cubes    -       500 g.
cow-peas(vanpayar)                                            -        ¼ cup (soaked overnight)
Green Chilies, slit                                               -       4  
Thick Coconut Milk                                           -       ½ cup
Curry Leaves                                                      -        a sprig
Coconut oil                                                         -       1 tsp.
salt as required

Method:

1. Cook the cow-peas until just cooked, drain &keep aside.
2. In a deep heavy vessel combine the ash gourd, green chilies and add water just enough to cover the vegetables and cook until the gourd is just soft.
3. Now add the cooked beans and the required amount of salt and let it boil for about 4 mins.
4. Combine the thick coconut milk and turn off flame and add the coconut oil and the curry leaves to the dish and serve.

Notes:

• Do not overcook the veggies.
• The olan will become slightly thick after some time(it's not a bad thing).